CN213831598U

CN213831598U - Privacy window module for vehicle interior

Info

Publication number: CN213831598U
Application number: CN202020372813.4U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 布莱恩·斯塔瑟; 阿什利·辛普森; 艾达诺·纳西门托
Original assignee: Inteva Products LLC
Current assignee: Inteva Products LLC
Priority date: 2019-03-20
Filing date: 2020-03-20
Publication date: 2021-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-20
Also published as: US20200298674A1; WO2020191204A1; CN111717151A

Abstract

A privacy window module for a vehicle interior, comprising: a window configurable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the window movably disposed between a first panel and a second panel of the privacy window module; a screen located on a first side of the window, the screen capable of presenting graphics on a surface thereof.

Description

Privacy window module for vehicle interior

Cross reference to related art

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application having application number 62/821,089, filed 3/20/2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to privacy windows for vehicles, and in particular privacy windows that may include various features.

Background

In certain vehicles, it is desirable to provide a privacy window that will isolate rear passengers from the driver and/or front seats. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide privacy windows that may include various features.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Disclosed is a privacy window module for a vehicle interior, including: a window configurable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the window movably disposed between a first panel and a second panel of the privacy window module; and a screen disposed on a first side of the window, the screen capable of presenting graphics on a surface thereof.

In addition to one or more features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the window has a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film applied to a second side of the window, the first side being opposite the second side.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the window transitions from opaque to translucent when a current is applied to the Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film.

In addition to one or more features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the first face is a passenger-side surface of the window and the second face is a driver-side surface of the window.

In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above in any embodiment above, the first panel is a driver side panel and the second panel is a passenger side panel.

In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, each of the driver side panel and the passenger side panel is configured to extend between B-pillars of a vehicle.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the screen is at least one of a video display or a television screen.

In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, the privacy window module includes an adjuster for moving the window between the stowed position and the deployed position, the adjuster being secured to the first panel or the second panel.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, an opening is provided in the privacy window module when the window is in the stowed position.

Also disclosed is a privacy window module for a vehicle interior, comprising: a window configurable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the window movably disposed between a first panel and a second panel of the privacy window module; and a screen configurable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the screen movably disposed between the first panel and the second panel of the privacy window module, the screen and the window being independently movable relative to each other, and the screen being capable of presenting graphics on a surface thereof.

In addition to one or more features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the window has a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film applied to a surface of the window.

In addition to one or more features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the screen is located on a passenger side of the privacy window module and the window is located on a driver side of the privacy window module when the window is in the deployed position and the screen is in the deployed position.

In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, the first panel is a driver side panel and the second panel is a passenger side panel.

In addition or alternatively to one or more features described above, the privacy window module includes an adjuster for moving the window and the screen between the stowed position and the deployable position, the adjuster being secured to the first panel or the second panel.

In addition to one or more features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the regulator is a dual-system regulator that includes a first pair of cursors slidably received on a pair of guide rails and a second pair of cursors slidably received on the pair of guide rails, the pair of guide rails configured to cause the first pair of cursors and the second pair of cursors to slide in different paths relative to each other such that the window and the screen move independently relative to each other, the first pair of cursors configured to be secured to a portion of the window and the second pair of cursors configured to be secured to a portion of the screen.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the first pair of cursors are driven up and down on the pair of guide rails by a first cable and a first cable drum fixed at one end to the first pair of cursors, the first cable drum is driven by a first motor, and the second pair of cursors are driven up and down on the pair of guide rails by a second cable fixed at one end to the second pair of cursors and at the other end to a second cable drum driven by a second motor.

Also disclosed is a method of configuring a privacy window module for a vehicle interior, comprising: configuring a window between a stowed position and a deployed position, the window movably disposed between a first panel and a second panel of the privacy window module; and configuring a screen between a stowed position and a deployed position, the screen being movably disposed between the first panel and the second panel of the privacy window module, the screen and the window being independently movable relative to each other, and the screen being capable of presenting graphics on a surface thereof.

Drawings

The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a privacy window module of the present disclosure in an open position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a privacy window module of the present disclosure in an intermediate position between an open position and a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having the privacy window module of the present disclosure in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a privacy window module of the present disclosure in a closed position, wherein the windows of the privacy window module are configured to present graphics on the windows;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a privacy window module of the present disclosure in a closed position, wherein the windows of the privacy window module have a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film applied thereto;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a privacy window module of the present disclosure in a closed position, wherein the windows of the privacy window module have a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film applied to the driver side of the windows and a display screen is applied to the passenger side of the windows;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a privacy window module of the present disclosure with a blackout display (blackout display) applied to the driver side of the window;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a privacy window module of the present disclosure, wherein a darkened display is applied to the driver side of the window and a display is located on the passenger side of the window;

fig. 9 is a perspective view of a driver side panel of the privacy window module of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a driver side panel of the privacy window module of the present disclosure;

fig. 11 is an exploded view of a privacy window module of the present disclosure;

fig. 12 is a perspective view of a privacy window module of the present disclosure with the display, monitor or television screen of the privacy window module in an up or deployed position;

fig. 13 is a perspective view of a privacy window module of the present disclosure with the display screen, display or television screen of the privacy window module in a down or stowed position and the privacy glass shown in an up or deployed position;

fig. 14 is a perspective view of a privacy window module of the present disclosure with the display screen, display or television screen of the privacy window module in a down or stowed position and the privacy glass in a down or stowed position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an adjuster for moving a display screen, a display or television screen, and a privacy glass of the privacy window module between a downward or stowed position and an upward or deployed position;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the vehicle interior with the privacy window module of the present disclosure in an open or stowed position; and

fig. 17 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior with the privacy window module of the present disclosure in a closed position or an extended position.

Detailed Description

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of illustration, not limitation.

Referring now to fig. 1, a perspective view of a vehicle interior 10 having a privacy window module 12 of the present disclosure is shown. In fig. 1, the privacy window module 12 is in an open position.

As shown in fig. 2, the privacy window module 12 is in an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position. As shown, the window 14 of the privacy window module 12 is shown in an intermediate position. Fig. 3 shows the window 14 of the privacy window module 12 in a closed position. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the windows 14 of the privacy window module 12 may be transparent or opaque. Additionally and as will be discussed herein, the windows 14 of the privacy window module 12 may be configured to present graphics 16 on a window surface of a passenger compartment 18 facing the vehicle interior 10. Refer at least to fig. 4. The graphics 26 may be displayed on a screen, display or television screen, or they may be projected onto the window 14.

In yet another embodiment and referring now at least to fig. 5, the window 14 of the privacy window module 12 may have a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film 20 applied to the window such that the film 20 and/or the window 14 may transition between an opaque state or a translucent state when a current is applied to the PDLC film 20.

As used herein, PDLC film 20 refers to a polymer matrix of liquid crystals surrounded by a conductive indium tin oxide coated PET film. The PDLC film 20 may include two sheets of glass laminated on the PDLC film. The wires of the PDLC film are attached to conductive copper strips along the edges of the film, where when no current is supplied to the conductive copper strips, the liquid crystal molecules will randomly orient and scatter incident light, which makes the film opaque or partially opaque and translucent. When a current is applied, the liquid crystal molecules will align and incident light passes through, thereby making the film transparent. In this way, the user can vary the amount of light that will pass through the film 20. These components are assembled to form a single unit, which is commonly referred to as a PDLC film 20. In one embodiment, there is a full PDLC film 20. The assembly comprising the two glass sheets may comprise a window 14. As such, the window 14 may be configured to include the PDLC film 20 and/or screen as part of the laminated glass as an interlayer. Alternatively, the PDLC film may be applied separately to the window 14.

Referring now to fig. 6, a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film 20 is applied to the driver side of the window 14 that faces a driver compartment 21 of the vehicle interior 10, and a display screen, display or television screen 22 of the privacy window module 12 is disposed on the driver side of the window 14. Here, the display screen, display or television screen 22 may be a liquid crystal display capable of presenting graphics to an individual located in the passenger compartment 18 of the vehicle interior 10. Alternatively, the display screen or display 22 may be a touch screen. In yet another alternative, the screen 22 may simply be a video display or a screen on which images can be projected by, for example, a projector located within the passenger compartment 18.

Referring now to fig. 7, a vehicle interior 10 having a privacy window module 12 of the present disclosure is shown with a darkened display applied to the driver side of a window 14. In one embodiment, the dark display may be the PDLC film 20 as described above, or the driver side of the window may simply be tinted. This dark display will provide privacy between individuals viewing the display screen, display or television screen of the privacy window module 12.

Referring now to fig. 8, a vehicle interior 10 having a privacy window module 12 of the present disclosure is shown with a darkened display (e.g., PDLC film 20 or tint) applied to the driver side of the window 14 and a display screen, display or television screen 22 located on the passenger side of the window. Alternatively, the display screen, display or television 22 may be separately deployed by the privacy window module 12.

Referring now to fig. 9, a first or driver side panel 24 of the privacy window module 12 of the present disclosure is shown. A window regulator 26 is mounted to the first or driver side panel 24 to provide for the deployment of the vehicle window 14. The window regulator 26 includes a cursor 28, the cursor 28 being slidably received on guide rails 30, the guide rails 30 each being fixed to the first or driver side panel 24 and the cursors each being driven by a cable 32 fixed at one end to the cursor 28 and at the other end to a cable drum 34. The cable drum is driven by a motor 36. Alternatively, the window regulator 26 may be secured to a secondary or passenger interior trim panel 38 of the privacy window module 12.

Fig. 10 shows the window 14 of the privacy window module 12 secured to the cursor 28 of the window regulator 26. Fig. 11 shows an exploded view of the privacy window module 12 of the present disclosure. Here, the second or passenger interior trim panel 38 of the privacy window module 12 is shown before it is secured to the first or driver side panel 24 of the privacy window module 12. The interior surface 40 of the secondary or passenger interior trim panel 38 may have any configuration and/or characteristics suitable for the passenger's needs. In one embodiment, the driver side panel 24 and/or the passenger side panel 38 are configured to extend between and/or be secured to the B-pillars 39 of the frame.

Referring now to fig. 12, an alternative configuration of the privacy window module 12 of the present disclosure is provided. Here, the display screen, display or television screen 22 of the privacy window module 12 is in an up or extended position.

Referring now to fig. 13, the display screen, display or television screen 22 of the privacy window module 12 is shown in a down or stowed position and the window or privacy glass 14 is shown in an up or deployed position. It will be appreciated that when the window or privacy glass 14 is in the extended position and the display screen, display or television screen 22 is in the extended position, the display screen, display or television screen 22 is located on the passenger side of the privacy window and the window 12 or privacy glass 14 is on the driver side of the privacy window module 12.

Referring now to fig. 14, the display screen, display or television screen 22 of the privacy window module 12 is in a down or stowed position, and the window or privacy glass 14 is shown in the stowed or down position. Thus, one opening is provided in the privacy window module 12.

Referring now to fig. 15, a regulator 26 for use with the privacy window module 12 of the present disclosure is shown. Here, the adjuster 26 is a dual system adjuster in which a first pair of cursors 42 are slidably received on a pair of guide rails 30 and a second pair of cursors 44 are also slidably received on the pair of guide rails 30. The pair of rails 30 are arranged such that the first pair of cursors 42 and the second pair of cursors 44 can slide up and down or in opposite directions on the pair of rails 30 to move the display screen, display or television screen 22 and to move the window or privacy glass 14 between a downward or stowed position and an upward or deployed position.

The pair of rails 30 are configured such that the first pair of cursors 42 and the second pair of cursors 44 can slide up and down or in opposite directions on the pair of rails 30 in different paths relative to each other such that the window or privacy glass 14 and the television screen or display 22 can move independently relative to each other. In this embodiment, the window or privacy glass 14 may be transparent or have the PDLC film 20 or tint affixed thereto.

As shown, the first pair of cursors 42 is configured to be secured to a portion of the window or privacy glass 14. The first pair of cursors 42 are driven up and down on the pair of guide rails 30 by a first cable 46, which first cable 46 is secured at one end to the first pair of cursors 42 and at the other end to a first cable drum 48 so that the window or privacy glass 14 can be moved between a stowed or down position and a deployed or up position. The first cable drum 48 is driven by a first motor 50 to provide this movement. The second pair of cursors 44 is configured to be secured to a portion of the television screen or display screen 22. The second pair of cursors 44 are driven up and down the pair of guide rails 30 by a second cable 52 secured at one end to the second pair of cursors 30 and at the other end to a second cable drum 54 so that the television or display screen 22 is movable between a stowed or downward position and a deployed or upward position. The second cable drum 54 is driven by a second motor 56 to provide this movement.

Referring now to fig. 16, a perspective view of a differently configured vehicle interior 10 of the privacy window module 12 of the present disclosure in an open or stowed position. Here, the secondary or passenger interior trim panel 38 has a different configuration. In fig. 17, the privacy window module 12 of the embodiment of fig. 16 is in a closed position or an extended position, wherein the frame 58 for supporting the window 14 and/or display screen, display or television screen 22 is extended by the regulator 26.

The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring a particular number of devices based on the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, "about" may include a range of ± 8%, or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A privacy window module for a vehicle interior, comprising:

a window configurable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the window movably disposed between a first panel and a second panel of the privacy window module; and

a screen located on a first side of the window, the screen capable of presenting graphics on a surface thereof.

2. The privacy window module of claim 1, wherein the window has a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal film applied to a second face of the window, the first face being opposite the second face.

3. The privacy window module of claim 2, wherein the window transitions from opaque to translucent upon application of an electric current to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal film.

4. The privacy window module of claim 2, wherein the first face is a passenger side surface of the window and the second face is a driver side of the window.

5. The privacy window module of claim 1, wherein the first panel is a driver-side panel and the second panel is a passenger-side panel.

6. The privacy window module of claim 5, wherein the driver-side panel and the passenger-side panel are each configured to extend between B-pillars of a vehicle.

7. The privacy window module of claim 1, wherein the screen is at least one of a video display or a television screen.

8. The privacy window module of claim 1, further comprising an adjuster for moving the window between the stowed position and the deployed position, the adjuster being secured to the first panel or the second panel.

9. The privacy window module of claim 1, wherein an opening is provided in the privacy window module when the window is in the stowed position.

10. The privacy window module of claim 1, further comprising an adjuster for moving the window and the screen between the stowed position and the deployed position, the adjuster being secured to the first panel or the second panel.

11. The privacy window module of claim 10, wherein the adjuster is a dual system adjuster comprising a first pair of cursors slidably received on a pair of guide rails and a second pair of cursors slidably received on the pair of guide rails, the pair of guide rails configured to cause the first pair of cursors and the second pair of cursors to slide in different paths relative to each other such that the window and the screen move independently relative to each other, the first pair of cursors configured to be secured to a portion of the window, the second pair of cursors configured to be secured to a portion of the screen.

12. The privacy window module of claim 11, wherein the first pair of cursors are driven up and down on the pair of rails by a first cable and a first cable drum secured at one end to the first pair of cursors, the first cable drum being driven by a first motor, and the second pair of cursors are driven up and down on the pair of rails by a second cable secured at one end to a second cable drum, the second cable drum being driven by a second motor.

13. A privacy window module for a vehicle interior, comprising:

a window configurable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the window being movably located between a first panel and a second panel of the privacy window module; and

a screen configurable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the screen being movably disposed between a first panel and a second panel of the privacy window module, the screen and the window being independently movable relative to each other, and the screen being capable of presenting graphics on a surface thereof.

14. The privacy window module of claim 13, wherein the window has a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal film applied to a surface of the window.

15. The privacy window module of claim 14, wherein the window transitions from opaque to translucent upon application of an electric current to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal film.

16. The privacy window module of claim 13, wherein the screen is located on a passenger side of the privacy window module and the window is located on a driver side of the privacy window module when the window is in an extended position and the screen is in an extended position.

17. The privacy window module of claim 13, wherein the first panel is a driver-side panel and the second panel is a passenger-side panel.

18. The privacy window module of claim 17, wherein the driver-side panel and the passenger-side panel are each configured to extend between B-pillars of a vehicle.

19. The privacy window module of claim 13, wherein the screen is at least one of a video display or a television screen.